Flashback ( PDFDrive )

And there are big things coming, Fitz. Bigger than you can imagine.
Much, much bigger than what’s already been done.” He raised his
sword, showing everyone how the blade was stained red. “Told you I’d
find another use for it eventually,” he said to Sophie. “I do hope those
guards weren’t friends of yours.”
Bile burned Sophie’s throat and tears stung her eyes as all the
goblins let out a primal roar.
Gethen smiled wider. “So, Fitz. What’s it going to be?”
“Don’t,” Sophie said as Fitz raised the dagger again. “He’s
manipulating you.”
“Probably,” Fitz admitted. “But . . . what if it’s not the way you
think? What if this is their way of preparing their minds for what
they’re about to do? Think about it—if they warn us and we ignore it,
then they don’t have to feel guilty about whatever horrible things they
do. Then it’s our fault, and they don’t have to worry about their
sanity.”
“But what about your sanity?” she countered, glancing at her
friends for help.
Keefe stepped up. “Yeah, uh, you realize they’re trying to get you to
kill Alvar, right?”
“Of course I do!” Fitz snapped, turning to Biana. “But he’s a
murderer.”
“I know,” Biana whispered, leaning on Tam and Dex for support.
“But . . . you’re not.”
“And I’m not that person anymore!” Alvar swore.
“I DON’T BELIEVE YOU!” Fitz knocked Alvar down to his knees.
“DON’T!” Biana shouted. “Don’t let them break you the way they
broke him.”